CrPC Section 509
CrPC Section 509 – Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman
Section 509 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, deals with acts, words, or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a woman. However, to clarify, this is actually a provision under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 509, not CrPC. But sometimes, people refer to it in procedural context because CrPC governs how the case is handled.
Exact Wording (IPC 509, Simplified):
“Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of a woman, utters any word, makes a sound, gesture, or exhibits any object with that intention, shall be punished with imprisonment for up to 3 years, or fine, or both.”
Key Points
Intention is Crucial:
The offender must have the intent to insult the modesty of a woman.
Mere accidental words, gestures, or acts without intent are not covered.
Types of Acts Covered:
Verbal: Offensive comments, remarks, or sexual propositions.
Gestures or Sounds: Whistling, making lewd gestures.
Showing Objects: Displaying obscene materials or objects with the intent to insult.
Who is Protected:
Any woman, regardless of age, is protected under this section.
“Modesty” is considered a personal sense of decency and dignity.
Punishment:
Imprisonment: Up to 3 years.
Fine: Can be imposed.
Both: The court may award imprisonment and fine together.
Examples
Verbal Harassment:
A man makes repeated sexual remarks at a female colleague at workplace.
Intent is clear, so he can be punished under Section 509 IPC.
Obscene Gesture:
A person whistles or makes lewd gestures at a woman in public.
This falls under Section 509.
Exhibiting Obscene Object:
Showing pornographic pictures to insult a woman’s modesty.
Also punishable under Section 509.
Important Points
Consent is irrelevant if the act is intended to insult modesty.
Intention must be proved, either through words, actions, or circumstances.
This section is often used in combination with IPC 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty).
In simple words:
“If someone uses words, gestures, or shows something to insult a woman’s modesty on purpose, they can be punished for up to 3 years or fined.”
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